Keys To Teacher Success

Teachers and Teaching
Originally published under the headline Traits of Successful Teachers in April 2010


Traits of Successful Teachers

The most successful teachers in life all have one major thing in common; they build quality relationships with their students and inspire them to want to learn.  These winning teachers understand that real student achievement cannot be measured in mere test scores or even report cards but in the small day to day moments of their students’ individual triumphs.

Because they understand that learning is a process and children absorb information differently, successful teachers are able to get results from all students, not just those who are “good”, “gifted” or well-behaved.  These teachers achieve their success by creating stimulating classroom learning environments in which students are encouraged to think critically while being developed socially and emotionally as well as academically.

Successful teachers also recognize the importance of honoring and acknowledging diversity and of promoting cultural literacy.  They promote a positive school culture and employ the use of engaging lesson plans that provide hands on project based and experiential learning opportunities.

All teachers who have had consistent success in the classroom understand that it is not enough merely to dispense information.  They realize that in order for students to really learn beyond text books and worksheets and truly achieve they must develop the ability to be able to solve problems and find their own answers.

Teaching is a major commitment and those who have had the most success with their students are patient, observant, organized and creative.  They have won the battle of preparation and classroom management and can spend the appropriate time being attentive to the specific needs of all of their students.

By the same token, successful teachers are good communicators. They do not condescend or engage in sarcasm at the expense of their students and they are focused on helping their pupils to build confidence and healthy self-esteem. They understand that how well their students are able to build on fundamental skills is largely tied to how they see themselves and how they feel about their own abilities.

While it is a wide-spread common belief that successful teachers are generally those who have the ability to think outside of the box, perhaps the most important trait of successful teachers is their own ability to continue to grow and learn as individuals as well as professionals.  It is this open mindedness and the seeking out of new information and practices that insures their continued success in the classroom.